News
The latest industry news from the business journalists at Catering Today. We bring you the latest on what’s happening in the restaurants, bars and catering industry, with exclusive stories, analysis, best practice and industry comment.
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Dec- 2023 -19 December
Drinks sales down 9% as tough comparatives continue
Drinks sales in the UK’s managed venues dropped 9% for the week ended 9 December compared with the same period last year, according to data from CGA. Growth has now topped 1% just once in the last eight weeks as a result of sales being compared to the period during…
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19 December
Knoops revenues jump 67% to £4.43m in FY23
Knoops, the retailer of crafted chocolate drinks, has reported a revenue increase of 67% to £4.43m for the year ended on 30 September. Operating EBITDA for the group was up 206% to £269k, compared with £87k in 2022. Online sales were also up 48% on a like-for-like basis, with 63%…
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19 December
SSP further expands in North America and Middle East
SSP Group has acquired Calgary-based ECG Ventures Limited and has signed a new contract with Jeddah Airport to operate three F&B packages. The group’s expansion within North America and the Middle East comes as SSP aims to pivot into higher growth markets. SSP’s acquisition of ECG in Canada will see…
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18 December
Today’s news in brief – 18/12/23
Hackney Gelato has secured a substantial £1.3m follow-on investment from Pembroke VCT. The funding is set to bolster production, team recruitment, and consumer-oriented marketing efforts. The brand plans to diversify by venturing into new out-of-home spaces like cinemas, theatres, and airlines. Co-founders Enrico Pavoncelli and Sam Newman express their commitment…
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18 December
Liberation Group promotes three to leadership roles
Liberation Group has announced the internal promotions of Alice Bowyer as the new director of food, Fred Vanderplank in the newly-created role of sales and commercial director and Ollie Fleming as the head of Free Trade in the UK. Bowyer’s promotion comes after she joined the company in 2016, in…
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18 December
Hackney Gelato secures £1.3m investment
Hackney Gelato has secured a £1.3m follow-on investment from venture capital trust Pembroke VCT to fuel global expansion. The new funding will support increased production, recruitment into the team and a consumer marketing drive. Hackney Gelato is also targeting an expansion into new international markets and further growth in the…
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18 December
C&C Group appoints new CFO
C&C Group, a drinks company which manufactures, markets and distributes branded beer, cider, wine, spirits and soft drinks across the UK and Ireland, has announced the appointment of Andrew Andrea as chief financial officer. Andrea will join C&C as CFO and executive director from 1 March 2024. His appointment follows…
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18 December
10,000 hospitality groups may benefit from Scottish rates relief, reports find
Around 10,000 hospitality businesses would stand to benefit if the Scottish government heeded the calls from UKH Scotland and introduced a business rates relief scheme, replicating support in England, according to The Fraser of Allander Institute. The institute found that those businesses are ineligible for the small business bonus scheme,…
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15 December
Today’s news in brief – 15/12/23
Some 61% of hospitality leaders plan to adopt new tech solutions in the coming year, CGA and Fourth have found. The study highlighted staff scheduling as a top benefit, recognized by 55% of leaders, followed by payroll and onboarding support. This investment is seen to enhance productivity (81%) and boost…
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15 December
Des Gunewardena to open flagship restaurant at The Royal Exchange
Des Gunewardena, the co-founder and former CEO of restaurant group D&D London, has announced he has signed an agreement with The Ardent Companies UK to open a new flagship restaurant, bar and event space at The Royal Exchange. The venture will be Gunewardena’s first project since his departure from D&D…
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